People liken the world to an orange. Orange has a wonderful colour. It is very common to bring oranges to relatives’ houses to attend the invitation. Wondering why so much appreciation for oranges? Orange is a fruit with an attractive look and taste. This succulent fruit grows on a small citrus tree. The funny thing is that what we call oranges is actually a combination of two varieties. Mandarin and tangerine are the main combinations of oranges, which originated in Asia. Mandarin originated in India many years ago and later spread across the country through China. Tangerine was first cultivated in the United States. In that case, if it is said that orange is first as a fruit or as a colour, then it can be said that the name of orange has been taken from the colour orange.
Orange is a citrus fruit; from this, the idea of its nutritional value naturally comes to everyone’s mind. It is rich in vitamin C and contains about 85 per cent water, a small amount of fat and protein and about 13 per cent carbohydrates. This beautiful fruit also contains minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. These minerals control the heart rate. Orange has a special role in the prevention of lung and cavity cancer. In addition to caring for teeth and bones, it also prevents cell damage. Usually, when we go to see someone who is sick, no one forgets to take an orange.
While mature oranges are sweetened with light tangy to eat, they are sometimes sourer or sweeter depending on the variety. Although this fruit can only be eaten raw, many kinds of food can be made from it. Orange juice is a famous drink. Generally, bread, butter, boiled eggs and a glass of orange juice are on the menu for breakfast. Oranges can also be eaten with many spices as street food. The use of oranges in many Chinese foods is noticeable, especially the use of orange peel. In our Bengali food, it has been seen in many places. There is a delicious curry called ‘Katla Kamala’. You can find his recipe in the October issue of ‘The Diniverse’! Tea is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. Many people love to have orange tea. This fruit is suitable for various dessert items starting from cakes to custards. There are lots of orange-flavoured items sold in the market also.
In addition to the variety of food, oranges are also used in beauty treatments. Orange peel is quite beneficial for the skin. Its flavour is used in many cosmetics because of its pleasant aroma. The presence of orange can be noticed in many ancient customs. In the Chinese New Year, oranges are seen as a symbol of good luck and abundance. In Japan, the fruit signals the beginning of the holiday season. The fruit is used as Christmas stockings in Canada, America and European countries. In China, dried orange peel is known as a medicine to increase digestion.
Although available all year round, winter is the right season for this fruit. It is available in large quantities in the market at this time which is also comfortable in terms of price. Our bodies need plenty of vitamin C during the winter; the skin becomes dry. That is why the demand for oranges increases in this season. After Covid-19, we should be much more aware of health care. The contribution of fruits like oranges is in the first place in this situation. Therefore, every juice vesicle of orange can be applauded.
